Old TJ Hughes cut through to be open once again linking Henblas & Chester Street

Published: Wednesday, Feb 7th, 2018

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A much-missed thoroughfare linking two town centre streets together, looks set to reopen again soon.

Yesterday Wrexham.com reported that Techniquest Glyndwr had gone public with their plans to give the former TJ Hughes building on Henblas Street a “new lease of life”.

The popular science discovery centre say it hopes to engage new audiences in the excitement of science and technology” by offering a host of a programmes of community science events, exhibitions and fundraising events.

A 12 month agreement for the science discovery centre to use the former TJ Hughes has been reached, however it is hoped that the events will be a prelude to the ambitious plans of North Wales Science Limited, the charity that runs Techniquest Glyndŵr, to move its operational base to the building in the centre of Wrexham in 2019.”

The former TJ Hughes property has sat empty since 2011 when the retailer closed its doors in the town for the last time.

Locally the thoroughfare between the store provided between Chester Street and Henblas Street has been seen as a key part in helping rebuild footfall between the two parts of town with many reacting to yesterday’s news by asking if that element will return.

At last night’s Town Centre Forum, Cllr Atkinson spoke of the news we broke earlier that day that the building would be used once again, and specifically asked about opening up the ‘walkway’ between Henblas Square and Chester Street, saying it was a ‘vital connection’.

A representative from Techniquest Glyndŵr told the meeting that not only would the new town centre Techniquest be open on April 2nd for the Tŷ Pawb opening, but the walkway would be open once again for use.

“We have been doing work on that, and the thoroughfare will be open again so people can pass through to Chester Street.”

A representative from Wrexham Council added ‘that was very important to us, and we are very happy that has happened.’

The news that Techniquest will be operating in the former department store has been welcomed by local businesses, with many seeing it as a boost for the Henblas Street and Chester Street area.